Mt. Kearsarge located in Warner and Wilton, New Hampshire is a popular dog friendly hike. Accessible by two state parks, it is our family’s tradition to access it by way of Rollins State Park in Warner, NH. There you will find a half mile hiking trail of 300 vertical feet with scenic overlooks along the way to the summit. The Rollins Trail is a moderate to difficult hike, but worth the effort for the beautiful summit views of Mt. Monadnock to the hills of New Hampshire’s coastal plain. The summits of Pack Monadnock, Crotched and Uncanoonuc Mountains, the hills of central Massachusetts, and the Boston skyline are all visible on the horizon on clear days, and nearby Mink Hills and Merrimack River Valley can also be seen. The fire tower at the summit is open to the public when staffed, but dogs are not allowed on the tower.
Please note that the trails at the summit of Mt. Kearsarge do not all return to the same place! Follow the white blaze markers to return to the Rollins State Park picnic and parking areas. The red and yellow blazes will lead you to Winslow State Park in Wilton, NH. Near the summit along the Rollins Trail, you will also see signs and white trapezoids for the Lincoln Trail. From the summit the Lincoln Trail will lead you past the picnic area at Rollins State Park, and continues on to Kearsarge Valley Road for a total of 5 miles. We do not recommend that trail for dogs, because of it’s rough and steep grade.
Dogs must be leashed due to hazards along the trail. Admission is $4 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Rollins State Park is open starting the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend in May to the Sunday of Columbus Day Weekend in October, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The gate is locked at 5:00 PM.
To plan your visit to Mt. Kearsarge in Warner, NH, including directions, weather forecast, photos and more, please visit our Mt. Kearsarge page. For additional dog friendly hikes and scenic walks, please visit our recommendations for Dog Friendly Places.
